Best to take a bathroom break before hitching with God knows who.
I miss my mum already.
What have I done? Will it backfire on her?
I already know the answer.
Even now I can imagine my father waking up, seeing my empty bed.
His voice, bellowing through the house.
Boots on the driveway.
Doors slamming.
He'll kick up a stink, no doubt.
Not because he’s worried for my safety.
But because he’s no longer in control.
One less person to shit on.
One less punching bag.
And because it will make him look bad.
Not that he needs any help with that.
I glance nervously at the tiny police station across the road.
Probably nobody there at this hour.
Just to be sure, I stay hidden behind the tree trunk.
The roadhouse is closed too, Jundah's one and only store.
Dark and still, the only light comes from a glass doored refrigerator inside.
Even if I had money to spare, they don’t open for another hour.
I don’t want the locals to see me dressed like this anyway.
Fuck, this shirt stinks.
Even after being washed, the ciggies and sweat smell awful.
Should’ve taken one of mum’s instead.
At least then it wouldn’t feel like he’s following me.
That diesel pump outside the store is the only thing I care about right now.
Its tiny screen glows faintly in the night, an eye full of zeros that refuse to sleep.
Beyond that, the town lies silent.
So quiet that even the slightest sound feels dangerous.
